Why Veganism MIGHT not be the answer to your weight loss journey​

I was vegan for almost seven years and didn’t realize how terrible it was until I started eating animal products again.

My Journey into Veganism

I first became vegan in my junior year of high school, sticking to the strict rules of plant-based eating until a couple of years after college. For a long stretch of time, I believed that veganism was the key to a healthier lifestyle and a better world. I was driven by two main reasons: the health benefits and the idea that I was helping save the planet by not supporting animal agriculture. During those years, I followed a strict plant-based diet, often cutting out dairy, eggs, and even anything with animal-derived ingredients. But as time went on, cracks started to show in my health—cracks I later realized were directly linked to my diet.

The Downside to Veganism

The most pressing issue I encountered while being vegan was the toll it took on my health. Despite my efforts to supplement with vitamins like B12 and Omega-3s, my body wasn't thriving. My skin became dry and flaky, my nails were weak and chipped constantly, and I experienced chronic bloating and digestive issues. Hair growth slowed dramatically, and my energy levels plummeted.

Even though I was consuming an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and grains, I wasn't getting the essential nutrients my body needed, like collagen, healthy fats, and enough protein. A vegan diet requires a massive amount of food to meet the necessary protein and caloric requirements, and still, I was often left feeling lethargic. Additionally, the vegan diet wasn’t as cheap or sustainable as people often claim. While fruits and vegetables can be affordable, the need to eat large amounts to meet your nutritional needs quickly adds up. I found myself eating five or more bowls of food every day just to feel full and satisfied, which led to financial strain and frustration.

Propaganda

Veganism isn’t just a diet—it’s often treated like a moral stance, which brings me to another serious issue: the propaganda. Many people, especially those who promote veganism, push misleading ideas about the harmful effects of animal products. For example, I was constantly told that eggs are high in cholesterol and bad for your health—this myth has since been debunked by scientific research. The dairy industry was portrayed as inherently evil, and I was led to believe that all forms of meat were carcinogenic. What I didn't realize at the time was that much of this information was heavily skewed by vegan influencers and activists with an agenda. I also ignored the fact that processed vegan alternatives—like plant-based cheeses and faux meats—often contained unhealthy additives, seed oils, and excessive amounts of sugar. These products didn’t help my health in the long run, and many of them had a larger environmental footprint than simply consuming ethically raised animal products.

Cult

Another major problem with veganism is the almost cult-like mentality that surrounds it. When I was vegan, I truly believed that I was morally superior to others. I judged people who ate meat, often seeing them as ignorant or complicit in animal cruelty. This prideful attitude took a toll on my relationships and my well-being. As a Christian, I also found that the vegan community often promotes an "us vs. them" mentality, where veganism is seen as a form of moral and spiritual enlightenment. I felt like I was part of a special club, even though I was actually missing out on essential nutrients and not fully understanding the complexities of animal agriculture.

My Breaking Point: Transitioning out of Veganism

After years of suffering from these health issues, I decided to transition out of the vegan lifestyle. I didn’t ease into it—there were no gradual steps or "cheat days." I went cold turkey and began incorporating animal-based foods back into my diet, focusing on meat, eggs, seafood, and dairy. Within weeks, my body responded positively. My hair started growing again, my skin regained a healthy glow, and my nails became stronger. The bloating subsided, and I began to feel more energized. Even though I wasn’t yet following a strict carnivore diet, just reintroducing animal products made a world of difference. The health benefits were undeniable.

Many people choose veganism because they believe it is more sustainable and environmentally friendly. However, what I’ve learned is that plant-based alternatives—especially processed ones—can have a larger carbon footprint than raising animals sustainably. Not all farming practices are bad, and there are plenty of small-scale, ethical farms where animals are raised humanely.

Why Veganism didn’t work for ME!

Ultimately, the vegan lifestyle didn't work for me because it wasn’t sustainable, it was unhealthy, and it came with a lot of misinformation. I felt worse on a plant-based diet than I did when I began reintroducing animal products. It’s important to recognize that no diet is one-size-fits-all, and what works for some people might not work for you. If you’re looking for a healthier lifestyle, I recommend cutting out processed foods, reducing sugar intake, and focusing on a balanced diet that includes high-quality animal products. Exercise and a little mindfulness about your health will go a long way. Veganism may work for some, but for me, it was a journey I’m glad to have left behind.

As we move into this new year, I hope my story encourages you to take a more realistic approach to health and wellness. Whether you’re considering veganism or any other diet, always make sure to listen to your body and do thorough research. The key to a healthy life is balance—getting all the nutrients you need, supporting local agriculture, and avoiding extremes. So, as you embark on your own health journey this year, remember: eating meat and animal-based products isn't inherently bad for you. You don’t have to follow trends—just eat real, wholesome food and focus on how it makes you feel.